Where It All Started
When I reflect on the founding of Man Up and Go, I’m reminded of a powerful moment in my life that shifted my perspective and ignited my passion for this mission. While I never imagined myself in the realm of adoption or foster care, a series of events and divine interventions led me to this crucial work.
It all started with a personal journey that intertwined faith, family, and a growing burden for men who were struggling. My wife and I never considered adoption until one Sunday at church, where we felt an unexpected nudge. We were both struck by the message about adoption and found ourselves looking at each other with the same thought: Should we go to that meeting? It was a clear “God moment.” We attended the meeting and connected with Jason Clement, who was adopting from Ethiopia. That encounter set the stage for a life-changing trip to Africa.
The following year, I was invited to join a Man Up trip to Africa, a journey that would profoundly impact my view of our mission. Having recently experienced the disappointment of a failed local adoption, I was skeptical but open to the experience. My wife encouraged me to go, even though it was my first overseas trip and mission experience. What I encountered in Africa was transformative. I fell in love with the people—the Ethiopians, Ugandans, and the incredible individuals who were making a difference. I saw men like Jason Clement, Mitch Household, and others running at a fast pace, actively working to support children without fathers. Their action-oriented approach inspired me deeply.
I realized that faith isn’t just about attending church services or participating in potlucks; it’s about going into the world, actively engaging with the least of these, and making a tangible difference. This realization was crystallized in my mind when I read the Bible and found over 2,000 verses that emphasize God's care for the vulnerable. Psalm 82:3 captures this perfectly: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” This verse became a guiding principle for me, affirming that caring for the marginalized and fatherless is at the heart of our faith.
The men I met in Africa, including Jason, embodied this scripture. Their obedience and dedication showed me what true Christian action looks like. Despite our initial lack of best practices or knowledge, we were driven by a deep sense of purpose. As someone who identifies with the Enneagram Type 8—the challenger—this mission resonated with my desire to protect and advocate for those who are often overlooked or marginalized. It was both a tough and tender calling—a chance to stand up for the vulnerable and make a real difference in their lives.
So, Man Up and Go was born out of this realization and inspired by these experiences. Our mission is rooted in faith and action, driven by the belief that every fatherless child deserves support and every struggling dad deserves a chance to reconnect with his children. We strive to embody the spirit of Psalm 82:3, standing up for the weak and the fatherless and working tirelessly to end fatherlessness in our communities.
Thanks for reading,
Jeff Ford